Mike Penders was thrown in at the deep end on Saturday as the Belgian goalkeeper replaced Emi Martinez against Everton – and Stuart Pearce has hailed the Chelsea star.

Penders made his Premier League debut on Saturday after Martinez collided with Jarrad Branthwaite during a set piece. The World Cup winner has broken his jaw and had an operation on Saturday night.

Martinez is now set to miss six games in all competitions, including Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool. Penders, 21, is set to start for Chelsea with the pressure firmly on the youngster.

Stuart Pearce loved something Penders did against Everton

Penders entered the game with about 10 minutes of normal time to go. But given the stoppages, there was 11 minutes of injury time, meaning the Belgian got a decent run out, with Chelsea leading 1-0.

He played a key role in helping Chelsea hold onto their first Premier League clean sheet since January. Speaking on TalkSPORT, England icon Stuart Pearce applauded Penders for one ‘incredible’ moment.

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Jeff Stelling said: “Penders has come in. He looked confident.” Pearce replied: “He did. He came for one cross that was 17 yards out; incredible. I thought, ‘If you don’t get this, you’re going to look a clown’.

“He did really well; he caught the odd cross. When he came on for the last 20 minutes, and when they got the second goal, the game was done. They were slowing it down. Now he will get an extended run.

“That’s when the pressure really comes on you; you have to deliver. It’s a real blow; for a year or so we’ve been saying Chelsea need a good goalkeeper. They get Martinez, and you think, ‘What a good signing’.”

Where does Stuart Pearce think Chelsea will finish?

Chelsea’s win against Everton propelled them into fourth position in the Premier League after seven matches. Four wins, one draw, two defeats. Opta’s Supercomputer has predicted Chelsea to get fifth.

Pearce, who watched Chelsea take on Everton, believes Xabi Alonso will guide Chelsea back into the Champions League despite their injuries: “They have to finish in the Champions League places.

“With the money they’ve spent, the size of their squad. I think they will,” Pearce continued. The Blues and Alonso are now preparing for the toughest week of their season, starting with Liverpool on Wednesday.

Then, they host Manchester United, who have redeemed themselves a touch after going to Leeds United and winning a point. Two wins this week, and Alonso will have Chelsea fans feeling utterly delighted.